International Journal of Structural Analysis and Advanced Construction Techniques

Advances in High-Performance Concrete Materials for Structural Engineering Applications: A Critical Review

Isha, Raunak Deswal — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study offers a thorough examination of recent developments in high-performance and ultra-high-performance concrete (HPC/UHPC), emphasising sustainable materials and cutting-edge technologies. As the need for long-lasting and environmentally friendly building materials grows, industrial by-products, agricultural waste, and waste-derived materials, including slag, ash, and recycled parts, have been added to the mix. These materials help lower carbon emissions while still performing well mechanically. Some cases show small drops in compressive strength, but overall, the material is much more durable, ductile, and structurally sound over time. The review also talks about how nano-materials, hybrid fibres, and self-healing processes may make things stronger, with values as high as 177.8 MPa, and how they can also make things less permeable and less likely to break down in the environment. Also, using machine learning and forecasting modelling approaches has made it possible to accurately forecast performance, frequently with an accuracy rate of more than 90%. This has improved the mix design and cut down on the number of experiments needed. In general, the results show that for current infrastructure applications, they need to combine sustainable material advances with smart computational methods to make concrete frameworks that are efficient, long-lasting, and good for the planet.

Internal Curing Mechanism of Pine Needle Bio-Fiber (Pinus roxburghii) Hollow Channels in M25 Concrete: Quantification of Late-Age Strength Gain, Autogenous Crack-Healing Analysis, and Dampness Resistance Correlation

Ankush Panwar, Vimal Gupta — Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, India, pine needle (Pinus roxburghii) bio-fibers have inherently hollow channels spanning 10 to 40 micrometers. These channels let the fibers absorb between 0.8 and 1.2 grams of water for every gram of dried fiber. Then, they slowly release this water over a period of 24 to 72 hours. In M25 grade concrete, this study is the first to systematically examine this internal curing process and determine how much it contributes to late-age compressive strength development, autonomous crack-healing ability, and dampness resistance. At 7, 28, and 56 days, mechanical performance was assessed from five fiber dosage levels 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% by volume of concrete. Every one of these intervals, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were assessed to show the evolution of hydration and fiber-matrix interaction throughout time. To replicate actual service settings, specimens were subjected to 56 days of alternating wet-dry cycles using the RILEM TC 221-SHC method for evaluating crack-healing efficiency. The one-face immersion test done in line with IS 1199:2018 was used to find moisture penetration resistance. This test gives a standard way to measure how far water soaks in and how much of it takes up. Importantly, no chemical surface treatments were used on the fibres at any point to keep their hollow inside structure and the natural waxy cuticle on their outer surface. At a fiber content of 0.50% by volume, which corresponds to around 5.25 kg per cubic meter of concrete, the best performance was consistently found. Compressive strength rose by 3.8 MPa between 28 and 56 days at this dosage, a 41% improvement over the 2.7 MPa rise observed in the plain control concrete over the same period. The fibers' ongoing water release sustains continuous cement hydration well beyond the early curing window, hence enhancing late-age strength gain. For the best mix, crack-healing effectiveness at 56 days reached 62.1%; this is 2.41 times better than the 25.8% for the control. This outcome is explained through five synergistic mechanisms: first, the fibers physically bridge micro-cracks, limiting crack width and keeping fissures within the self-healing range; second, the hollow channels function as internal moisture reservoirs, sustaining the healing environment even in the absence of external water; third, calcium carbonate precipitates on the fiber surfaces, contributing to crack infilling; fourth, additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel forms in the interfacial transition zone surrounding the fibers, densifying the microstructure; and fifth, the natural waxy coating on the fiber surface reduces capillary absorption, limiting the ingress of harmful moisture. In terms of durability, moisture penetration depth decreased by 46.8%, from 42.5 mm in the control to 22.6 mm in the optimal mix. Water absorption fell by 33.0%, from 4.10% to 2.75%. These results collectively demonstrate that pine needle bio-fibers from the sub-Himalayan Pinus roxburghii belt deliver a unique, five-part internal curing system that simultaneously prevents crack formation, promotes autonomous crack sealing, and resists moisture ingress, all without chemical additives or fiber pre-treatment. No other natural or synthetic fiber evaluated in the literature has been shown to achieve this specific combination of benefits within a single material system.

Influence of Staircase and Core Wall Placement on the Lateral Load Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Md. Munirul Islam, Anirudha Sarkar Dhrubo — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lateral load resistance is an important factor in ensuring the safety and stability of multistory reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, especially in earthquake-prone regions such as Bangladesh. In typical RC buildings, lift core walls are used to resist both gravity and lateral loads. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the location of lift core walls and have given less attention to the role of staircases in improving structural performance. Since staircases are essential parts of buildings, their position may also influence the overall seismic behavior. This study examines the combined effect of lift core wall and staircase positions on the seismic performance of RC multistoried buildings. A total of eight models are analyzed, where the staircase is placed adjacent to the lift core wall for practical use and better architectural planning. Two types of building layouts, namely existing and arbitrary, are considered. All models are G+6 storied buildings located in Earthquake Zone-2 and are analyzed using ETABS software under both gravity and lateral loads. The models are compared based on key parameters such as soft story, torsional irregularity, and serviceability. The results show that the position of lift core walls and staircases has a noticeable effect on structural performance. Two suitable positions are identified for both layout types, which improve seismic resistance and reduce irregularities. The findings of this study can help engineers and designers make better decisions for safer and more efficient building design in seismic areas.

Comparative Study of Low-income Housing Construction in Pakistan Based on Life Cycle Assessment

M. Muzammil, P. Cao, M. Ahsan Mehtab, L. Juan — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan faces a critical housing shortage exceeding 10 million units, with low-income households disproportionately affected, often residing in substandard informal settlements. Conventional construction methods, relying on fired clay bricks, Portland cement, and reinforced concrete, are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging, contributing to high carbon emissions and long-term economic burdens. This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to evaluate four low-income housing construction scenarios: conventional fired clay brick systems (S1), fly-ash brick systems (S2), compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) systems (S3), and bamboo hybrid systems (S4). Using a 50 m² prototype housing unit, the analysis integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions through LCA, life cycle costing (LCC), and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). Results indicate that CSEB systems (S3) achieve a 48% reduction in embodied carbon and a 45% reduction in lifecycle costs compared to conventional systems, while bamboo systems (S4) offer renewable benefits despite higher initial costs. Fly-ash bricks (S2) provide moderate improvements, but their reliance on coal byproducts poses sustainability risks. The study advocates for policy reforms, including LCA integration, passive design mandates, and subsidies for sustainable materials, to deliver affordable, eco-friendly housing solutions for Pakistan’s low-income communities.